Hey,

I'm Max and studying social sciences / political science in Dijon, France. Originally, I am from Austria but moved a bit around over the course of the last year. Started with a gap-year working in a Museum in Amsterdam and afterwards at a social Project in Uganda. Since September I am doing a Bachelor in beautiful mustard-city :)

I'm passionate about traveling, cooking (also for you if you want ;)), meeting new people and learning about different cultures and views on the world. I also love taking photos, especially travel-photography (Instagram: @maxruza_photography)!

Since approximately one year now I got a Blog with a good friend of mine: https://chatprojekt.blog/ . Since it's my dream to become a journalist and tell stories (especially those that are unknown), I started this project to "keep practicing" - because as one says: Practice Makes Perfect!

Furthermore, I try to follow a motto of "Seek Discomfort" and try new things which also push me outside my comfort zone.

Last but not least, you can also hit me up on Instagram: @maximilianruza

Cheers, Max

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm on Couchsurfing as I found that it's sometimes a bit hard to connect with locals especially in Western Europe. But that's exactly why I want to travel!

So, on this platform I'd like to meet new people and kinda integrate myself more in local life and culture. Furthermore, I find Couchsurfing gives you not only the possibility to learn about new cultures and approches of life, but also has potential to create new friendships.

Interests

• culture
• photography
• cooking
• traveling
• political science
• meeting new people
• good conversations
• f1

Music, Movies, and Books

I listen to a lot of music, but I'd say mostly Rock, Pop, some Rap and a bit of Folk, Indie and similiar stuff :) But on a good night out, I am open for everything!

Favorite Movie is Interstellar, just a must see and classic!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One of the best things I've ever done is to overcome my fear of traveling alone in Africa. I booked a plane ticket from Uganda (my home base at that time) to Zanzibar and travelled for one week around the island. The experiences I made where really great. Staying outside of the big hotel-complexes I had the possibility to meet some lovely people and spend some time with them.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Stories and experiences about Eastern Africa, some trips to the Balkans and life in general :) But also very eager to listen to your stories!!!

Of course I am willing to cook something or help in any way possible in your daily life!

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, England, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Moldova, Monaco, Poland, Romania, Rwanda, Serbia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Tanzania, Turkey, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

Austria, France, Netherlands, Uganda